Study Finds Concealed Carriers Stop More Shootings Than Police

Recent studies reveal that defensive gun use among firearm owners is rare, with only 0.7% reporting having brandished their weapon in self-defense in the past year. A survey conducted by Rutgers University found that a significant majority of gun owners, 92%, have never used their firearms defensively, despite many being exposed to gun violence. In contrast, research from the Crime Prevention Research Center indicates that concealed carry permit holders have successfully stopped more active shooter incidents than law enforcement, suggesting they are often effective in crisis situations. Dr. John Lott, president of the CPRC, emphasizes that responsible gun owners can save lives, noting that civilians intervened in 180 of 515 active shooter cases from 2014 to 2023. However, the studies collectively highlight that while some armed citizens act heroically, the broader context shows that owning a firearm does not correlate to frequent defensive use. This complex narrative underscores the ongoing debate about gun ownership and its implications for personal safety.